Dogs of all types can be found at shelters. Thinking about bringing a new dog into your home? Considering stopping by the animal shelter or talking to a breed-specific rescue instead of heading down to the pet store? You’re not alone. According to the 2014 PetsMart U.S. Shelter Pet Report, over two-thirds of pet owners would prefer to adopt a dog rather than purchase one. The report, designed to help bring public attention to new attitudes on pet adoption, demonstrates that more pet owners than ever are opting to look for dogs that already need homes instead of searching a pet store for the perfect puppy. Says executive director of PetsMart Charities Jan Wilkins, “It is encouraging to see adoption is gaining ground, with huge jumps for both cats and dogs in our study.” Of course, there’s still a market for store-bought puppies. According to the survey, 28% of Americans indicated that they purchased their most recent dog. Additionally, 27% of poll respondents claimed that they would not adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue. The prime reasons for skipping the shelter seem to be breed-related, with 36% of respondents saying they want a purebred pet and 34% saying shelters they visited did not have the kind of pet they were trying to find. These responses hint that breed-specific rescues, which often have dozens of purebred animals in need of homes, might need to do more to raise their profiles with the average consumer. It’s also on pet retailers to encourage adoption over shopping. Hosting adoption days and supporting local rescue organizations can make a dramatic difference for shelter animals, helping to shine a spotlight on animals who need homes and boosting applications along the way. Small pet stores have even begun fostering dogs for local organizations so that those dogs can meet new families and have a greater chance of being adopted. What about you? Have you ever rescued a dog or cat, or do you prefer to buy from pet stores or breeders?
Dogs of all types can be found at shelters. Thinking about bringing a new dog into your home? Considering stopping by the animal shelter or talking to a breed-specific rescue instead of heading down to the pet store? You’re not alone. According to the 2014 PetsMart U.S. Shelter Pet Report, over two-thirds of pet owners would prefer to adopt a dog rather than purchase one. The report, designed to help bring public attention to new attitudes on pet adoption, demonstrates that more pet owners than ever are opting to look for dogs that already need homes instead of searching a pet store for the perfect puppy. Says executive director of PetsMart Charities Jan Wilkins, “It is encouraging to see adoption is gaining ground, with huge jumps for both cats and dogs in our study.” Of course, there’s still a market for store-bought puppies. According to the survey, 28% of Americans indicated that they purchased their most recent dog. Additionally, 27% of poll respondents claimed that they would not adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue. The prime reasons for skipping the shelter seem to be breed-related, with 36% of respondents saying they want a purebred pet and 34% saying shelters they visited did not have the kind of pet they were trying to find. These responses hint that breed-specific rescues, which often have dozens of purebred animals in need of homes, might need to do more to raise their profiles with the average consumer. It’s also on pet retailers to encourage adoption over shopping. Hosting adoption days and supporting local rescue organizations can make a dramatic difference for shelter animals, helping to shine a spotlight on animals who need homes and boosting applications along the way. Small pet stores have even begun fostering dogs for local organizations so that those dogs can meet new families and have a greater chance of being adopted. What about you? Have you ever rescued a dog or cat, or do you prefer to buy from pet stores or breeders?
Craig Davis
Craig is a lifelong pet owner and dog advocate with a special interest in animal and human longevity. He founded Vet Organics to develop an affordable, all-natural, safe and effective ear infection remedy for his dog, Lucy, whose chronic ear problems could not be solved by the vet.
